Current ad spending annihilating 2006 numbers

According to The Huffington Post,  state and federal candidates have spent $395 million in ads for November elections this year, with more than half of them negative. Only $286 million was spent at this point during the 2006 midterms.

Attack ads have comprised of 80 percent of political parties and outside groups campaign ads, and add up to $150 million.

“The numbers – compiled by Evan Tracey, who tracks political ads as president of CMAG, a division of Kantar Media – reflect a need by candidates and their allies to define opponents quickly to an increasingly engaged electorate,” the Huffington Post writes. “Those who don’t have paid the price.”

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees spent $1.5 million in ads in Michigan and Nevada House races.

Sen. John McCain proved negative ads win campaigns by using a large advertising counterpunch.